GLoria's GLamour makeover

[Cattmando]

Good morning, folks. I'm gonna use this thread to document my further work on GLoria, the 83 1100 standard purchased a few weeks ago in East Indianapolis. Carried her home in ol' F150, gave her a curry once over, and rode her from Vincennes, IN to Aurora, IL and back, about 650 miles. Lucky we didn't end up in a ditch somewhere along the way 'cause she was less worthy than had been realized. But we made it despite a few glitches and a gully wash.

There are several thread already on the site documenting her initial repairs, some with pics. Search Cattmando if you're interested. If there's an easy way to move those into this thread, I haven't found it yet. But, that's all in the past.

So far, we've fixed the loose lower right shock mount point, rebuilt and replaced the air shocks (she had too long after market shocks), replaced the tach cable, spark plugs, and air cleaner. Also replaced both tires. And (judging from my dirty hands every time I touch below the surface), she's received a less than thorough pressure wash.

Currently she's setting awaiting dust seals for the rear and left/front brake calipers. The right front is reassembled using a dust seal from an ST1100 kit I had on hand.

Just replaced the handlebars and grips with items from Bike Bandit. This job is just short of complete as the left bar controls are now broken, knocked the dimmer switch right off as I was working to get the old grip off. Replacement ordered from E-Bay.

Speaking of replacement parts, got a suggestion from the mechanic at our local Vincennes Indy dealer: Green's Cycle Salvage near Millwood, Ky. They specialize in Japanese stuff. Gregg says they have a huge, well organized inventory of salvaged parts. http://greenscyclesalvage.com/ They are close enough we can run down there as needed. Also, the roads in that area (Millwood, KY) are worth the ride.

This bike will be a semi-custom when complete. We're going for the Sorta Cafe' look with lower bars, custom seat, and lighter weight. This is a work in progress so will add to this thread as events occur. No fresh pics right now. Would'a posted the new bars but will now wait 'til the working controls are installed.

I'll get the seat to an upholstery shop next week, probably get the brakes finished and the dimmer switch fixed. Then on to more stuff. She needs new valve cover gaskets, not even ordered yet, and a valve adjustment. Also want to balance the carbs. I've had, in a previous life, the right stuff to do that but no longer. I could build the aquarium tubing balancer as suggested on this site, but we're right in the middle of building a new garage and don't need the clutter right now. With brakes and bars and a recovered seat, she'll be good to go for the short term.

Coming up down the line: Lightening this heavy beast. First to go will be the heavy fenders and lights. Also, just general removal of miscellaneous bolts-ons and brackets. Over the years, I've seen many such and become more attractive as they detritus is stripped away. For now, the heavy metal flake green-blue paint will remain. It's in pretty good shape will serve for the time being.

At some point, would like to replace the front end with more modern, a lighter look wheels. Not just lighter look, these ol' cast pieces weigh a ton. Folks often ask, why do all this work on an old bike when everything ya want is available in newer, more modern motorcycles? Everyone here already knows the answer to that question.

So, suggestion, comments, ideas? Always happy to hear from like minded folks. This is now a CattHouse Garage project. Just wish the CattHouse Garage was already ready.

[chrisz]

My suggestion is to post the pictures as you are making progress..

[Cattmando]

Will do, Chrisz. Progress will be slow but steady.

[Cattmando]

Just did first test ride after reassembly. Brakes are very mushy so will bleed some more. Luv the new handlebars and new tires. No headlight yet, waiting for the left side handlebar controls. The set from a GL1200 Interstate won't work without a big rewire so it's going back. Found another for an 1100 Standard and it's cheaper.

[Cattmando]

Here's a quick pic of GLoria with her new bars 'n tars (tires). Note the left handlebar control is still missing. With the air shocks 'n tars, she feels way better on the road. Also, I like the look much better without the funky ol' leather bags 'n sissy bar. Much more to come...

Note the GORIDE license plate. And please forgive the garage mess. New garage hasn't even started yet and we're really crowded right now.

[Cattmando]

Here's a fresh pic of GLoria on ride-to-work day last Monday. Pool needed some chemical so I rode to the pool, about 40 feet from the front of the garage.

Got the new (much lower) bars and new grips, replaced the left side control module due to broken dimmer switch and she's ready to roll. Headed out this morning for Aurora, IL and my granddaughter's 7th birthday. All is good.

Y'all will be happy to know the brakes finally pumped themselves up so no need to rebuild the master cylinders. Gotta luv Honda's self correcting functions.

Latest problem, noted just Wednesday, the oil seal at the shift shaft is leaking, very dirty under there. Simple enough fix soon's I source a new seal. Gonna get new valve cover gaskets at the same time and finally adjust the valves.

More pictures coming soon.

[Cattmando]

Hiatus recently. A couple projects have kept me OFF the bike and on the nail gun. That's about done so I'll get more here. Just found a replacement right side passenger peg on EBay, ordered out'a Michigan for $13 including shipping. So, one less thing.

[Cattmando]

I've been missing for a while, lots of projects and now laid up with a new injury. Three significant events: received the Vietnamese seat for GLoria and installed (no pics yet); BOUGHT a 2015 NC700XD for daily use; BOUGHT a 12x24 she'd as a shop building. Also came this >< close to really breaking my left foot when my son's CBX500 fell over. The left bar landed right on my foot, which was already bruised. Burst the skin but no broken bones; 4 stitches. I'm off my feet for at least another day. I'll add pics as soon as possible. Oh, also have the Progressive rear springs at hand for the air shock rebuild.

[Cattmando]

I know I've beenever missing again but the reasons might amuse y'all: best reason ride GLORIA to Barber Vintage Days and drive home; secondo best, got kicked out of girl friend's house.

Barber was a great ride down and great event. Had good time working various venues and meetinget new folks. Turned into an adventùre when her starter motor quit as I was leaving on Sunday. Simple solution: bought a van. (Long story but it got me home.)

Moved in with my niece in Vincennes temporarily. They've just bought a place north of here ,closing today) and I'm helping with the transition. The van, 2005 Dodge Sprinter, will be my transport and RV as I hit the road for distant locations in a couple weeks.

Anyone need a new 24x12 shed? PM me?

More to come, with pics.

[Cattmando]

GLORIA is up and running with her new starter installed. Spins like a whirling dervish now.

[Cattmando]

Y'all ain't gonna believe this: I'm injured again. A month ago, rode NaNCy, my nc700x, down to Green Lake State Park, KY to visit with friends. While there, suffered a debilitating Sciatica attack. The ride home on Friday was excruciating. ER, XRays, CT scan, Nd MRI, 4 CORTISONE shots, pain pills, etc. I'm on the mend now but not completely over it. In. Consequence, neither bike has moved in the interim.

I'm in Aurora, IL this weekend, gotta attend grandfather's Christmas recital this morning. The coming week _may_ see some motorcycle stuff. Of course, the bottom is gonna drop out of the thermometer Toto.

Stay tuned...

[Speedy69]

Here's a quick pic of GLoria with her new bars 'n tars (tires). Note the left handlebar control is still missing. With the air shocks 'n tars, she feels way better on the road. Also, I like the look much better without the funky ol' leather bags 'n sissy bar. Much more to come...
13403743_1016735388379610_6462997516623403144_o.jpg

Note the GORIDE license plate. And please forgive the garage mess. New garage hasn't even started yet and we're really crowded right now.

Hi, just wondering what make and type of handlebars are does.
thanks
really nice bike

[Cattmando]

Need to end this thread. Sold Gloria a couple years ago realize now should have kept her. Now own a very rough 92, new thread started. Long term project.